Which strategy can enhance retention of information studied?

Summarizing information in one’s own words is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the retention of studied material. This approach actively engages the learner in processing and understanding the information rather than passively receiving it. When students rephrase concepts, they are compelled to think critically about the content, identify key points, and connect ideas within the material. This deeper level of engagement facilitates better encoding of information into memory, ultimately improving recall and understanding.

Additionally, creating summaries helps to consolidate knowledge and can serve as a useful study tool for future review. This method encourages learners to contextualize information in a way that makes sense to them personally, which can lead to stronger memory pathways.

In contrast, studying in a noisy environment can create distractions that hinder concentration and absorption of material. Only reading the material once limits the opportunity for reinforcement and deeper processing of the information. Moreover, eliminating breaks during study sessions can lead to cognitive fatigue, which negatively impacts retention. Regular breaks, on the other hand, allow for mental rest and can enhance overall learning efficiency.